2020-07-21 Tue

Belgian National Days one of twelve public holidays in Belgium. It's annually observed on July 21 to celebrate the day, when Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg swore allegiance to the new Belgian constitution and became the first King of Belgium.

In 1830 the southern provinces of the United Netherlands started rebellion against Dutch rule. A long period of economic and religious disparity only added fuel to the fire. The Dutch lost much of their area and Belgium de facto gained independence. A National Congress was created to draft the Constitution.

The Congress decided that Belgium would be a constitutional monarchy, which associated with political stability, and called upon German prince Leopold of Saxe-Cobourg to be the first King of the Belgians. His coronation took place on 21st July 1831.The above coin is 1833 issue of the new coin series designed by L. WIENER.

The obverse depicts a bare bust of Leopold I left. Designer’s signature (L. WIENER) is inside the bust. The truncated Legend: LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES (Leopold First King of Belgium). The reverse depicts Crowned Belgian shield and splitting value (5-F). All within wreath. Legend reads L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE 1849.

Image Courtesy: coinshome.net